Editorial: Keep nicknames and teach tribal culture

Area high schools would be affected by a requested order to ban American Indian nicknames, mascots, images and chants.

If there is evidence that use of American Indian nicknames, mascots, images and chants is harmful to students, that’s certainly cause for concern.

Chippewa Valley High School and Utica High would be among those looking for different names: Chippewa Valley names its teams “Big Reds,” Utica High uses “Chieftains.” “Warriors” is the nickname used by both Brother Rice High in Bloomfield Hill and Walled Lake High.

But we’ve heard no complaints from anyone in those districts.

Advertisement

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights recently filed a complaint with the civil rights office at the U.S. Department of Education asking for the order. It cited new research it said shows a negative impact on student learning. That creates an unequal environment in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The agency, which has sought an end to such usage for a decade, argued that it “creates a hostile environment and denied equal rights” to all American Indian students. The research hasn’t been rebutted, it said.

Five years ago, Chippewa Valley students eliminated the profile of an American Indian and instead adopted its name with two feathers. Its mascot is now the Big Reds Hawk. It’s named two new schools after American Indian leaders, an action it took after consulting with an area tribal council.

At a recent gathering of tribal officials in Washington, most were opposed to use of American Indian symbols.

On the other hand, Bay City Western High School calls its teams the Western Warriors, with support from nearby tribal officials.

Frank Cloutier, public relations director for the Mount Pleasant-based Chippewa tribe, admires the team and disputes the harm such images do to American Indian youngsters. More important, he said, is the impact on the students of how they and their families have been treated by others over the years.

Cloutier suggested schools that use American Indian imagery should teach more about the American Indian culture.

Colleges would not be included in the requested order. Cloutier has an agreement with Central Michigan University, approving its use of “Chippewas” but celebrating the culture and offering courses about it.

Cloutier, CMU and the Chippewa Valley officials have the right idea: Increase sensitivity to the culture that inspired the team names, and leave them alone.